This is a NEW write-up welcoming our next ‘link’ (progeny, descendant) in the Shah as well as Knights family chain.
All previous write-ups (Being Grandparents – 1 to 26) are mostly related to our maternal grandchildren (Sitara & Sachin). Sitara is our first grandchild (granddaughter) – followed by Sachin (grandson) with a gap of almost 2 years between them — with Nina (our daughter) and Sunjay being the parents. Sachin is 23 months old (on 2011 June 20) and Sitara is 3 years and 11 months (on 2011 July 5).
From the Indian Gujarati language and social /cultural norm, we grandparents are their “nana/nani“. In reality, they do call us “nana/nani. They live close by to us and thus provide their “nana/nani” a great opportunity for interface and fun.
The baby referred to here is due in the month of August,2011 and is lovingly known within the family circle as “cocoa puff”. From the Indian Gujarati language and social /cultural norm, we grandparents are his/her “dadda/daddi” . We will await to see how s/he will address the paternal grandparents.
The parents (our son Sunir and his wife Shannon) of the new baby are currently living in Toronto – so they are a bit further away geographically in distance to visit and provide a continuous interface. But we will make this possible.
On Monday 27 December 2010 during the Christmas celebration in Deep River , we were informed of the new baby. The announcement was made a bit tangentially – keeping all of us guessing & then with the offering of sweet cocoa puff cereal, it was supposed to be surmised. The details and state of our happy emotions are described below.
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Announcement — ” Cocoa Puff ” – Monday 27 December 2010
Most Welcoming News
It was an afternoon (on Monday 27 December 2010) full of fun and joy. Both Sitara and Sachin were surrounded by many gifts from their parents, mama/mami and nana/nani to celebrate the holidays and end of the year 2010 . The revellers were all excited and making merry of the companionship around. Both SunirMama & ShannonMami had arrived from Toronto previous day to celebrate the Christmas holidays with the family.
The bells were ringing in the heavens, the Christmas Tree standing proudly in a corner by the window – all ornamented and twinkling with multiple electrical lights – was bright and soothing .The laughter of the kids enlivened the atmosphere – which was more enhanced by singing by Sunir & Shannon.
Sachin felt sleepy and was thus trundled off to his crib by his dad.
Over all that cacophony , Sunir got up in a slightly sheepish way and enticed Sitara to go with him to the Christmas tree and then lifted hands to pick up a hanging ornament from the Tree – high above hidden at the back of a branch . The ornament turned out to be a bag full of ” Cocoa Puffs cereal ” and earlier smuggled here onto the Christmas Tree by Sunir.
Sunir lovingly but sheepishly asked Sitara to take the bag around to each member of the family and distribute the sweet puffs for all to enjoy. Sitara dutifully and happily went around and distributed one cocoa puff to each of the family members – to savour and enjoy.
Of course , at that time Sachin was not there as he had retired to his crib and was having his afternoon nap. Once the distribution of cocoa puffs to each member of the family was over, Sitara then took one for herself and popped it in her mouth with sublime happiness.
Sunir and Shannon both were looking around to see if anything had registered with the family. They enquired very succinctly but all were just savouring the tasty ‘cocoa puffs” but wondering the uniqueness of the occasion.
There was a subtle and exciting message (with some humour) cloaked in the distribution of cocoa puffs. Sunjay was the only one who got the deep meaning and picked up the subtle tell-tale sign about the a new baby coming. All others were still pondering as to what the message was about – when it was announced that Sunjay had got it that Sunir/Shannon were to become parents in the coming months. Voila! that was it .
Shannon then showed an ‘ultra-sound’ image of the baby in the tummy – which brought joy and exhilaration all around. Sitara was all mushy and excited .
Sachin missed the moment as he had retired to his crib for the afternoon nap .
Both “grandparents-to-be” hugged each other and were ecstatic and Sitara was just going around trying to digest the news.
The “cocoa puffs” cereal is an inside joke between Sunir and Shannon for their future progeny – as the coming generation will be a symbol of assimilation of Canadian people of different background. Of Course the other members of the family were a tad removed from this inside joke and thus were a bit slow to grasp instantly the wonderful message.
The news is now out and about – re: the new addition to the family. Both Shannon & Sunir only got to know about the new baby on 11 December 2010. The baby is only 7 weeks old since conception and thus it is decided to keep the news within the immediate family members – and no announcement at this time to others – family and friends – until later.
A hint was kind of embedded in the Christmas message on the 2010 Christmas card by Sunir to parents where he eluded to spending quality time with the “expanding” family and the joyous time. This word “expanding family” did tweaked dad’s mind but then he let it pass.
The new addition is expected to be arriving on 13 August 2011 and all are looking forward to the event with bated breath.
This type of excitement with cryptic puzzle style announcement (for the family to decipher the joyous message) is becoming a tradition in the family . First during 2006 Christmas family get together – arrival of Sitara (in August 2007) was announced by gifting “Grandpa & Grandma” children books to grandparents-to-be and child rearing book to the mama-to be (Sunir). Then during 2008 Christmas, the Christmas cards from Sitara to her nana/nani & mama/mami were written so as to let the recipient know that the card was from Sitara + 1 (signed Love, Sitara +1).
Amazing – ” shock and awe ” news – for the family but the electric current of pleasant excitement flowing measurably through the body.
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It was thought prudent to announce to the close family and friends about the arrival of the new baby after the baby has taken sufficient roots and had adequate gestation period. This was done by the parents-to-be and also by all close relatives. Of course , the social media was also used to make announcement . Our friends within the Oshwal Community of Toronto got to know of the impending arrival of the new baby when we ( Sunir/Shannon & grandparents-to-be) attended/participated in the Community ” Chokdi ‘ (card game) competition organized in Toronto on Saturday 2011 April 30.
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There were welcome activities performed (by the family & friends) prior to his/her (the new baby’s) arrival. These were one (1) “Blessingway” or the Gujarati Indian traditional “ma no khoddo bhurvanu” ceremony (on Sunday 19 June 2011) and two Baby Showers – one on Sunday 19 June 2011 and the second one on Thursday 23 June 2011.
“Blessingway” & Baby Shower
“Blessingways” are steeped in more solid tradition than baby showers. Both Blessingsway & Baby Shower are interchangeably used in modern society.
A “blessingway” (sometimes called a mother blessing) is a ceremony to honour a pregnant woman and to assist her in her preparation for childbirth and motherhood. It gives participants the opportunity to express their love, appreciation and support. Our ancestors believed in the beauty of pregnancy and honoured the birthing woman and welcomed the new unborn baby in beautiful, heart warming ceremonies. Surrounded by the most important women in her life, the “mother-to-be” gains a sense of power, confidence, and support that will help her rise to motherhood.
A “blessingway” in the Indian (especially Gujarati) traditional norm is known as “ma no khoddo bhurvanu” – to fill the lap of ” mother-to-be “. In other words to cheer her (mother-to-be) heart by rituals and sharing family delight and gifts in this difficult and important time of child bearing. “Blessingway” ceremonies create a sacred and safe environment where a mother-to-be can explore the challenges and joys that lie before her as she approaches birthing and mothering. Surrounded by the most important women in her life, she gains a sense of power, confidence, and support that will help her rise to motherhood. Birth is a key life passage for women
In North America, a “blessingway” is an ancient Navajo ceremony to celebrate a woman’s transition into motherhood. The Navajo have a saying, “whatever happens here on Earth must first be dreamed”, and that’s exactly what a “blessingway” does. It is a ceremony (or the “dream”) that is a prelude to a major life event (and, as we all know, motherhood is a pretty life-altering event).
A baby shower is the closest event to a “blessingway” that women participate in today. It is a wonderful and practical occasion- a chance to gather family and friends to share in a celebration for the coming of a new baby, and it is an opportunity to provide the expectant mother (or couple) with many of the items necessary to care for a newborn. A baby shower’s primary purpose is focused on the baby that is on the way.
The two (2) Baby Shower celebrations were organised in Toronto by Shannon’s family and friends – these events were restricted to participation by females as the occasion surly demands. The “blessingway” at Sunir/Shannon home was participated by the immediate family.
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Grandpa has subsequently composed a poem for the welcome of the new baby – this was not recited earlier at any of the above functions
POEM By Grandpa (paternal)
baby, oh! little baby
your grandpa is mopping
His heart is throbbing
while you are in the womb
baby, oh! little baby
your grandpa is waiting
His heart is yearning
while he awaits your arrival
grandpa
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Saturday 18 June 2011
This day, the grandma travelled to Toronto with aunt Nina (“faiba“) & kids (Sitara & Sachin) from Deep River/Mackey while grandpa came by himself from Cornwall (where he was attending an Engineering Congress).
Sunjay (the new baby’s “fuva” ) could not come as he had to go to Winnipeg on company business.
After arriving in Toronto and having supper , the kids spent time at the Children’s Playground across the road from Sunir/Shannon home. Both Shannon & Sunir were there at the Playground with the kids . Kids settled down admirably – taking an attachment to their mama/mami to new heights. The joy and excitement in their behaviour and interfacing with both mama/mami was delightful. Just before their sleep time, Sitara snuggled up to her mami on a living room sofa – whence her mami read her story books. A precious moment . At about that time -sort of simultaneously, Sachin was playing with his toys in the living room with his mama and showing off his dexterity with the wooden board ABC puzzle – amazing his mama how he can find right spot for various ABC pieces. Sachin is a tad bit younger than 2 year old. His critical thinking and comprehension/understanding power were very evident. Sitara’s happiness and compassion were noted when she – once in awhile – comes and hugs her mami and kisses her tummy.
Sunday 19 June 2011
Today was Father’s Day in North America and this combined with two other family events (saluting the “mother-to-be” and the new baby) made the day most enjoyable and joyful.
First in the morning, the Father’s Day was celebrated in the backyard at Sunir/Shannon home (all decorated and ballooned by the grandma). Shannon’s sister (Heather) and paternal grandmother (Rae) were also participated. Shannon’s mother (Kathy) and her maternal grandmother (Opal) from Huntsville joined in subsequently ( as Opal was traveling in bus from Huntsville and Kathy had gone to pick her up from the Bus station). There was big fanfare celebrating the Father’s Day as we had Sunir (being to be a new Father) and grandpa (his dad) present for the celebration. The kids revelled and were all engrossed in the event- they had created separate greeting cards for their mama & nana and presented these to them with hugs and kisses. Sachin was in a very happy & playful mood as was Sitara.
Immediately after the Father’s Day celebration, the “blessingway” ceremony (a special Indian traditional ceremony ( “ma no khoddo bhurvanu“) – to fill the lap of mother-to-be (literal meaning) was carried out with great solemnity . This ceremony is held to cheer the heart of the mother-to-be in this important time of child bearing . Ceremony – with traditional rituals – is performed during pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of the mother and growing child. It was fortuitous that this being the Father’s day – it added colour and festivities with both Sunir & Shannon being together .
During the ceremony , the grandma (Jackie) lit a candle and gave her blessings -which was followed by Nina offering a coconut from her Sari to Shannon’s lap -for good luck. After that Nina also tied a sacred “rakhi” ( a bracelet from a colored cotton string) on the Shannon’s right wrist and then on Sunir’s. The ceremony was ended by Jackie sprinkling water in circle ( signifying divine protection / safety ) around Shannon & Sunir – both were sitting closely on two patio chairs -combined/joined/covered (metaphorically) by a yellow embroidered sari. After the sacred traditional rituals were complete, the mother-in-law (Jackie) adorned Shannon with family heirloom gift for her to enjoy and cherish.
For this day, the Baby Shower was organised by Shannon’s relatives Barb & Nancy -between 2.00 p.m & 4.00 p.m. at Nancy’s residence . It was generous of the hostess to have the kids (Sitara & Sachin) to participate at the Baby Shower. The invitation was phrased to attend ” An Afternoon Tea in Honour of Shannon Knights”. After the Baby Shower, report of the event was very warm and pleasing. Both kids had a lovely time too along with all the adults.
While the ladies were enjoying the afternoon celebrating the Baby Shower – both father-to-be (Sunir) and granddad were out shopping at Toys-R-Us – at Yonge & Eglinton . A crib for the upcoming baby was purchased (to be delivered next day on Monday) along with a few small toys for Sitara & Sachin ( to give them variety while in Toronto) . After the purchase , granddad was feted to an afternoon tea (a “High” tea – British Tradition) at a restaurant on Yonge Street by Sunir – as it was a Father’s Day . What a day ! Just wonderful.
Monday 20 June 2011
The crib arrived (bought from Toys-R-Us at Yonge and Eglinton) as per scheduled time just before 1.00 p.m.
(Note: Subsequently during early July, the crib parts were removed from the big heavy box, taken upstairs to the room (being prepared as the baby’s nursary) and then was put together by Sunir by himself ).
Both kids at that time were in the Children’s Park (with their mom & nana) across the road from Sunir/Shannon house. After lunch, a visit to the Riverdale farm was planned – so all got ready and went by car to Riverdale farm -visit in the afternoon . Kids enjoyed looking at and also sort of connecting with the animals. Different type of farm animals and wet lands with ducks and fishes. Sachin abandoned his stroller and wanted to walk all over -which he did and enjoyed that immensely. He did not seem to get tired out while nana was feeling a bit of strain. After a bit of break & a picnic on the Farm bench – all returned back to home. In the evening, repeat of previous nights , Sitara snuggling up to her mami & she reading Sitara story books. and Sachin playing with his toys with his mama .
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Both the kids & mom went to their mom’s friend’s (Priyanka’s) home and spent time there (with Priyanka’s young child – Sonali). Priyanka is also expecting a second child . During the day, amongst other things
they all went to the High Park zoo and had wonderful time. They spent the night at Priyanka’s.
On Tuesday afternoon, nana/nani went to Mississauga (to visit Indubhai) and then to Oakville for dinner at Ramnik/Champa home.
Wednesday 21 June 2011
After coming from Priyanka’s home – the kids and mom went to Yorkdale Mall (Dufferin Steet) -nana/nani joined them there. Spent time at the restaurant called RainForest Cafe- with artificial rain forest tapestry -with stuffed animals and live fish tanks . From there after rest at Sunir/Shannon home , in the evening, all (including Shannon/Sunir) went to Shannon’s parents (Kathy/Doug) home for a barbeque dinner. They were celebrating their cousin Diana’s (from England en route to Australia) visit to Toronto as well as our visit too. Both kids just fitted in well – Sachin always as usual with his smiles and playfulness and Sitara making conversations with those present. Sitara also spent time watching a children DVD movie on the DVD machine (which her mom brought with her).
Thursday 22 June 2011
Due to rainy weather , the day was spent mostly at home except going to a toy store ( MasterMind ) on Yonge Street – to buy toys for the kids’ upcoming birthdays (Sachin’s on July 20 & Sitara’s on August 5).
In the evening, the ladies went to the second Baby Shower in honour of Shannon organized by her sister at their parents (Kathy/Doug) home . At this baby Shower – the kids were excluded and thus spent time with nana initially and then joined by Sunir after he returned from his work. The male baby sitters had great time with the kids. Their nana fed them in the evening and after their mama came from work he immediately cuddled them . The kids had a swell time playing with both mama & nana.
Nana changed Sachin’s diaper – there was no complain from him or his mother about the tightness and proper fitting of the diaper. Sachin was also given a bath by his nana and all the cream applied and got ready for bed (in his case the crib – playpen) . Sitara was also got ready for her bed though she did not get a bath but all the necessary creams were applied (she had a rash at a couple of places – on her arms & behind the knees – which needed special cream).
Sachin was put to his sleep by his nana & Sitara was looked after by her mama who read stories to her prior to going to sleep.
The ladies returned home from the Baby Shower close to mid-night – apparently had a great time and fun. All were glowing with good humour and joy on the face.
Friday 23 June 2011
A return trip to Deep River/Mackey was made this day . It was very rainy day and cloudy. There was a small accident when Nina slipped on concrete while leaving Sunir/Shannon home and injured herself with a sprained left ankle. However, she managed to drive home and the healing of the injury is on its way .